Russia starts serial production of new navigation systems

ZHUKOVSKY (Moscow Region), August 25 (RIA Novosti) – Russian manufacturers are starting serial production of new navigation systems on the basis of the Glonass technology for strategic aviation, the first deputy general director of a design bureau said Saturday.

“The [Moscow-based] Kompas design bureau announces the end of state tests. We have received approval for serial production of PUIN indication and navigation control panels on the basis of the Glonass technology. Production will be for Tu-160 [Blackjack], Tu-95 [Bear] and others that resumed on the Russian president’s instruction constant combat duty August 17,” Anatoly Malygin said.

Malygin said the new development will make part of the new navigation equipment for strategic bombers. Should the main system fail, PUIN will be able to take up all its functions, Malygin said, adding that PUIN will ensure greater reliability in fulfilling both training and combat tasks.

The Kompas Moscow Design Bureau is one of the Russian developers of Glonass devices, as well as special software for personal use devices.

Russia is developing a global satellite navigation system, Glonass, a Russian version of the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS), which is designed for both military and civilian use, and allows users to identify their positions in real time.

A total of 9.88 billion rubles ($379.7 million) have been allocated for Glonass from the federal budget in 2007, and 4.72 billion ($181.4 million) in 2006. The system is to become fully operational by 2008.